Keeping our clients safe when using their fire pits is really important to us. If you are not sure how to best use your firepit, just get in touch and we can try help.
Here are 5 quick tips we have for you to think about before you set up your outdoor steel Fire Pit.
Keep a Water Supply or Fire Extinguisher for Emergencies Nearby!
A convenient source of water is one of the most critical fire pit accessories you should have around your backyard fire pit, in terms of safety. It is not something most people consider until they are in a situation where they need it. A dedicated bucket of water, a turned-on and ready to go garden hose, or ideally a fire extinguisher can mean the difference between people being hurt and property being damaged or an exciting but harmless story to recount to your friends later when they ask why the barbeque was cancelled. Safety first, keep water to hand.
Have a Stocked First Aid Kit Handy
There will be times around the fire pit and in the backyard in general, especially when children are around, when someone requires care for a minor burn, bug bites, a splinter from firewood, a skinned knee etc. Having a good first aid kit on hand is something that many people overlook until they actually need it. Get a good box with all the necessary creams and bandages you may need. Make sure it’s easy to find when emergencies arise.
Check the Wind Conditions
Before you light up your outdoor firepit, you should always check the wind is not too strong to have a fire burning. Check the local weather forecast and see if the wind is expected to be strong over the coming hours. Don’t use your fire pit on unusually windy days, as the wind can make it hard to light the kindling and could blow sparks to surrounding brush or structures, potentially starting a fire. Also, always check the direction of the wind before you start your fire. Advise guests to sit on the upwind side of the pit to keep clear of the smoke. If your fire pit is portable, consider moving it to a location with a natural windbreak before you light the fire. You’ll enjoy more heat and make the evening more comfortable.
Don’t burn Construction Wood
To fuel your fire, go ahead and use the branches you sawed off that damaged oak tree after last winter’s storms, or buy seasoned hardwood kindling and logs. However, it is important that you never burn construction materials like plywood, MDF, pressure-treated boards and posts, or chemically treated wood pallets. Construction lumber is treated with chemical resins, adhesives and other substances that emit toxic fumes when burned. They are definitely not what you want to be inhaling (or eating) with your food.
Never Leave A Fire Unattended
Even after a fire has died down, and only glowing embers remain, do not leave it unattended. Do not even dash into the house for a drink or toilet break. If you must leave, make sure someone else now has the duty to take care of it. While tiny flames may seem innocuous, they’re still a potential threat to your safety and all visitors to your home. After all, almost extinguished fires have been responsible for some of the most severe wildfires across the world. Pour water over live embers, and turn logs to make sure all sides of the wood have stopped burning before you call it a night.
At Firepits and Pieces, we are the premier design, build and supplier of high-quality steel firepits. Talk to our team today about some of our popular designs or get us to build something special that fits your needs.
